Murder trial of Bradshaw and co-accused in Paulwell case set for February 2027

Trial for alleged mastermind Leoda Bradshaw in the 2023 murders of MP Phillip Paulwell's infant daughter and her mother pushed to February 22, 2027.

Trial date pushed to February 2027 in killing of Paulwell's daughter and her mother

The trial of Leoda Bradshaw and three co-accused in the murders of politician Phillip Paulwell's 10-month-old daughter, Sarayah, and her mother, Toshyna Patterson, has been rescheduled to February 22, 2027, jamaica-gleaner.com reports.

The new date was set during a trial-readiness hearing in the Home Circuit Court on Thursday. The previously scheduled September 28 trial date was vacated after prosecutors informed Justice Vinnette Graham-Allen that co-accused Brian Smith had not yet been sentenced, as had been anticipated in July.

Smith pleaded guilty in June to charges including two counts each of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and capital murder. His sentencing was delayed after Chief Justice Bryan Sykes indicated he needed additional time to consider a legal authority submitted by the Crown. Smith is now scheduled to be sentenced on October 2.

The prosecution told the court that disclosure to the defence would follow Smith's sentencing.

Bradshaw, described as the alleged mastermind and a former United States Navy petty officer, faces two counts each of capital murder, conspiracy to murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to kidnap. Her cousin Roland Balfour and Bjourn Black also face multiple charges connected to the case.

Prosecutors allege that Sarayah and Patterson were abducted from their St Andrew home in September 2023, transported to east Kingston, then shot and burned.

Bradshaw, Balfour and Black are due back in court on February 8, 2027, for a further trial-readiness hearing ahead of the February 22 start date.

Source: Google News JM — Crime